If you had any doubts on what the upcoming year held in store. Rest assured, it’s all good. According to the Chinese Zodiac, this is the year of the horse. Here is an explanation of the symbol, and see if it hits home for you: “Horse: The likeable Horse symbol is firmly in the Yang polarity. Intelligence, agility and perceptiveness are hallmarks of a Horse personality. Anxiety, rudeness and stubbornness are also characteristic.” Now, I can’t say that I really buy into all of the explanation, but if you look at anxiety, and stubbornness. I think we have all felt that at one time or another before making a wager.

I had a rule for years. New Year’s Day has always been a good time to go to the races. It’s a fresh start, and all of the bad mojo you may have been carrying is gone ! – But on the other hand, I have friends that run out on the last day of the year, and try to squeeze out the last drop of 2013 luck. Either school of thought is fine, because even the toughest of gamblers has a small sense of superstition. A lucky rabbit’s foot, an old coin, a lucky buckeye, or a pocket full of cash. Whatever helps you gain that edge is a good thing.

Here are some of things I’ve learned the hard way before making a wager:

If you have to argue with your significant other before going to the track. Stay home !

If you have borrowed money to gamble. Go to the movies.

If you are with negative people who bitch during the race. Find another seat.

Never enjoy adult beverages while gambling. Wait and celebrate later.

If you take on a wagering partner, make sure they know the track is not an ATM.

Do your handicapping before going to the track.

If you don’t like the race. Get a hotdog and watch the action.

Make sure you have enough money to play. If not, wait for another day.

Don’t make hasty wagers just to have action. This is a bad play.

When you are on a losing run. Cut your bets in half, and never double down.

Attitude, money management, and believing in your ability is everything.

It all starts before you head out to the track. Take it easy on yourself, and don’t draw arguments or added worries. Don’t allow someone to take away your mojo. Yes, you heard it right here. I have handicapping friends who claim to have a “special sauce” to making every play a winner. Not true. They lose just like we all do, but they choose to keep that to themselves. It’s rare to hear someone tell you they are getting their butt kicked. The secret to winning at the track is not in a book or learned in night school. It is having a short memory. Here, I will prove it you. – Tell me your three worst days on how you lost your shorts. Or, tell me about your three biggest scores where the Brink’s truck had to carry your money home for you. See, the good outweighs the bad, and it is all about the short memory. The past is a great place to remember, but we don’t live there anymore.

Whatever your zodiac sign, your attitude is everything. You employ this at work, with your family, and when you hang out with friends. If you think you will win, you are half way there. The other parts are money management, and doing your homework. Some of the best players I have ever known have the secret. They know when to call it a day, or press their bets when they are on top. My good friend John Engelhardt had the best advice when he closed out his Regular Guy Handicapping TV Show: ” Bet with your head, and not over it.”